YouTube is one of the most popular websites in the world. People watch videos every day for fun, learning, and news. Sometimes, you want to listen to a video but do other things on your phone or computer. This is when playing YouTube in the background is helpful.
Why Play YouTube Videos in the Background?
Playing YouTube in the background means the video keeps playing even when you use other apps or lock your screen. This can be very useful for many reasons:
- Listen to music while checking your messages or browsing the internet.
- Follow tutorials or podcasts while doing other work or chores.
- Save battery because you do not need to keep the screen on all the time.
- Use your device for other things without stopping the video or audio.
Many people want to do these things but find it hard because YouTube stops playing when the app is closed or the screen is off.
Why Does YouTube Stop Playing When You Leave the App?
YouTube wants people to watch videos on its app or website. When you leave the app or lock the screen, the video stops. This helps YouTube show ads and keep users on their platform. But this can be a problem if you want to listen only to the sound.
YouTube offers a solution called YouTube Premium. It is a paid service that lets videos play in the background. But not everyone wants to pay for it. So, some people look for other ways to play YouTube videos in the background.
How to Play YouTube in the Background Without YouTube Premium
Here are some simple ways to play YouTube videos in the background. These methods work on phones, tablets, and computers.
Using A Mobile Browser (like Safari Or Chrome)
This method works on both Android and iPhone devices:
- Open your phone’s internet browser (Safari or Chrome).
- Go to youtube.com.
- Find the video you want and start playing it.
- Switch to the desktop version of the site.
- On iPhone Safari: tap the “aA” icon in the address bar and choose “Request Desktop Website”.
- On Android Chrome: tap the three dots menu and select “Desktop site”.
- Play the video again if it stops.
- Now, press the home button or swipe up to go to the home screen.
- The video may stop, but you can open the control center or notification panel.
- Press the play button to continue playing the video audio in the background.
This way, you can listen to the video while using other apps or when your screen is off.
Using Picture-in-picture Mode
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) lets you watch videos in a small window while doing other tasks. Here is how to use it:
- Open the YouTube app on your phone.
- Go to your phone’s settings.
- Find the YouTube app settings.
- Turn on the Picture-in-Picture option.
- Play a video on the YouTube app.
- Press the home button or swipe up.
- The video will appear in a small window on your screen.
- You can move this window anywhere on your screen.
This feature is available on Android 8.0 and newer, and on iPhones with iOS 14 or newer. It is a good way to keep watching videos while using other apps.
Using Youtube Premium
If you want an easy and official way, YouTube Premium is the best choice. It costs money but offers many benefits:
- Play videos in the background anytime.
- Download videos to watch offline.
- Watch videos without ads.
To use YouTube Premium, subscribe on the YouTube app or website. After subscribing, make sure background play is turned on in the app settings.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Tips to Fix Background Play Problems
Sometimes, background play does not work even with YouTube Premium. Here are some simple fixes:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Video stops when you lock the screen | Check background playback is enabled in YouTube app settings. |
| Background play not working on browser | Make sure to use desktop mode and restart the browser. |
| Videos stop playing after a short time | Check battery saver or app sleep settings on your phone. |
| Audio does not continue when switching apps | Update your YouTube app and phone system to the latest version. |
How to Play YouTube Videos in the Background on Different Devices
Android Devices
- Use Chrome browser in desktop mode for free background play.
- Enable Picture-in-Picture mode in settings for small video windows.
- Use YouTube Premium for official background play and no ads.
Iphone And Ipad
- Open Safari and request desktop site for background audio.
- Use Picture-in-Picture mode available on iOS 14 and above.
- Subscribe to YouTube Premium for seamless background play.
Computer (windows Or Mac)
- YouTube plays in the browser and keeps playing even when minimized.
- Use YouTube in a separate tab and switch to other tabs.
- Use Picture-in-Picture mode by right-clicking the video twice and selecting PiP.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Play Youtube In Background While Using Other Apps?
Open YouTube in a mobile browser like Safari or Chrome. Request the desktop site, play the video, then minimize the browser. Swipe down and tap play in the control center to continue audio playback while using other apps.
How To Play A Youtube Video In The Corner Of The Screen?
To play a YouTube video in the corner, enable Picture-in-Picture mode. Tap the settings gear icon, select General, then toggle Picture-in-Picture on. Play the video, and it will shrink to a corner while you use other apps.
How To Play Youtube In Background In Iphone?
Open Safari on your iPhone and visit YouTube. com. Play your desired video, then switch to desktop mode. Start the video and exit Safari; control center lets you resume playback in the background. This method works without YouTube Premium.
Why Can’t I Play Youtube In The Background Anymore?
YouTube blocks background play without a Premium subscription on its mobile app. Background playback requires an active YouTube Premium membership. Ensure your subscription is active and background play is enabled in app settings. Some browsers or device settings may also restrict background video playback.
Conclusion
Playing YouTube videos in the background helps you do more with your device. It is useful for listening to music, learning, and staying entertained while multitasking.
YouTube limits background play in its app for free users. But you can use web browsers or Picture-in-Picture mode as free options. YouTube Premium makes background play easy and adds more benefits.
Try the methods above depending on your device and needs. With some simple steps, you can enjoy YouTube videos while doing other things.
Remember, background play saves battery and lets you stay connected. It makes your device more useful and fun.